Abstract: A process of extracting liquid from a fabric having a first content of liquid includes the steps of creating a surfactant surface layer including at least one surfactant at an air-liquid interface of the liquid on the fabric, wherein the surface layer has a first surface tension, and adding at least one co-surfactant different from the surfactant. The surfactant and said co-surfactant have substantial chain length compatibility. The co-surfactant reduces the surface tension at the air-liquid interface. The fabric is then subjected to mechanical extraction for a period of time to reduce the liquid content of the fabric from the first content of liquid to a second liquid content.